Portable Diaper-Changing Hand Barrier Device

ABSTRACT

A barrier member for diapering a child is disclosed that is made from planar elements made from flexible and foldable materials that are folded back upon each other a number of instances to form a fan shaped or cellular structure. The barrier device is arranged to define a create a central passage and extends in a vertical direction from the passage that create a barrier between an upper section and lower sections of the torso of a child.

The applicant claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Application No. 62/286,538 filed Jan. 25, 2016. The present invention relates generally to the field of diaper changing and more specifically to child restraining systems which are used for diapering activities.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

When changing the diaper of an infant or toddler, a child may reach below the waist, potentially soiling his or her hands and generally interfering with process of cleaning up the diaper region and fitting a new diaper in position. The same problems also apply to applying medication in the diaper area. Since the caregiver's hands are typically occupied with cleaning the child or applying the medication, and may be dirty themselves, it difficult for the caregiver to prevent the child from reaching below the waist during the procedure.

There are a number of alternative barrier or restraining devices designed to address this problem that have been disclosed in the prior art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,205,669 Diaper-changing Aid discloses a four-point restraint system for securing the infant by itself or in conjunction with a diaper-changing table and includes a bottom portion, a top portion and a mechanism for fastening the top portion to the bottom portion. U.S. Pat. No. 6,379,343 Infant Diaper Changing Shield discloses a device for protection from being urinated upon using a device that is a resilient foam band, which is “C” or horseshoe shaped. U.S. Pat. No. 6,009,874 Diaper Changing Restraint System also generally discloses a four-point restraint system for securing the infant by itself or in conjunction with a diaper-changing table.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,854,142 Diaper Changing Station that includes which includes a table with a pad on top, two rods with stirrups and a foot pedal that raises the rods. U.S. Pat. No. 7,065,814 Infant Restraining Apparatus and Soil Barrier is directed to a protective barrier for the changing surface and/or diaper changer. U.S. Pat. No. 7,178,877 Diaper Changing Restraint System that restricts movement of an infant during diapering activities. U.S. Pat. No. 8,117,698 Diaper Changing System that includes a vest with a rear hook and loop fastener for the infant which is then laid on a changing pad. Other devices include, U.S. Pat. No. 8,338,658 Diaper Changing Systems; U.S. Pat. No. 8,695,137, Portable Diaper-Changing Restraint System; U.S. D124,296 Design for a Pillow; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,225,254, Plastic Foam Safety Cone and Method. In addition to the patents listed above, there are commercially available products such as the Snoofybee Changing Pad (http://snoofybee.com), which also discloses a barrier device. The Snoofybee product forms a cone around the child's upper body to restrict movement and works in a manner similar to the cones that are used for pets to prevent them from interfering with sutures or skin conditions.

There remains a need to provide alternative, inexpensive, portable, lightweight, convenient and effective barriers to keep a child's hands above their waist and out of the child's soiled diaper region.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a portable barrier is that is designed to impair or prevent an infant's, child's or toddler's hands from reaching below the waist during a diaper-changing procedure. A first embodiment of the device includes a structure that generally resembles a conventional folding fan element that is attached together at a central location to form an arcuate barrier structure that also defines a central passage to receive the torso of the child or infant. In an embodiment, the material that is used for the barrier is semi-rigid and has a soft cover so it is no uncomfortable on the baby's skin. For example, in embodiments the barrier is made from a polymer foam such as an open cell foam, thermoplastic resin, or foam sheet. In an alternative embodiment, the barrier is made from a cardboard or fiberboard stock. In yet further embodiments, the device is made from thermoplastic resins sheets such as nylon, polyethylene, HDPE, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polypropylene. In embodiments, the resin or cardboard sheets which provide rigidity are covered with fabric. In an embodiment, a barrier is creased and folded repeatedly to provide rigidity as well as to allow for extension around the child while in use and will fold up compactly when not in use.

In further embodiments, the barrier may be comprised of a series of pieces of cardboard or plastic or some other rigid material connected together or encased in fabric so they will fold compactly, rather than of one solid piece of material. In yet a further embodiment the barrier may comprise an inflatable part.

In yet embodiments, the barrier may have a plastic or other rigid bottom to facilitate folding. In a further embodiment, the device may also have an elastic loop attached to hold the device in a closed position when folded. The device may have another loop attached so it can be hung from a stroller/backpack or carried on the wrist. In yet a further embodiment, the device includes attachment elements such as loops or snaps along the top edge that are adapted to holding toys that the child can view or manipulate. In embodiments, the barrier is made from a material that is impervious to liquid. In further embodiments, the device may be designed for a single use and can be disposable, recyclable or both.

In yet further embodiments, the device is attached to a changing pad that can be folded up or wrapped around the device. Alternately, the barrier device is integrated with a conventional changing pad. In yet further embodiments, the barrier element of the device is made from a material than has a surface that can be wiped clean. In yet further embodiments, the barrier element of the device is made from a material that has a surface that can be machine washed, including devices that use both cloth and thermoplastic resin elements. For example, a plurality of flexible sections may be covered with cloth.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view in elevation of a first embodiment of the barrier element according to the invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view in elevation of the barrier element depicted in FIG. 1 wherein the top edges are joined together at a medial position.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the barrier device depicted in FIG. 1 shown in use with a child.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of an embodiment of the barrier depicting a series of parallel living hinges.

FIG. 5 depicts an alternative embodiment, partially folded wherein the device also is provided with a living hinge, perpendicular to the parallel hinges.

FIG. 6 depicts an alternative embodiment that allows the device to be folded at its mid-position.

FIG. 7 is a front view in elevation of the invention showing the opposition ends of the barrier attached together at location 705.

FIG. 8 is a front plan view of a barrier device in an unfolded position.

FIG. 9 depicts an alternative embodiment that that uses a series of living hinges (2) between the segments.

FIG. 10 depicts a further embodiment that also includes a living hinge 1050 that runs in a direction perpendicular to the living hinges 1020 and 1021 that divide the device into segments such as 1010, 10111, and 1012.

FIG. 11 depicts a view in elevation of an embodiment of the device in a folded position.

FIG. 12 depicts a further embodiment of the invention in perspective that includes a barrier device that extends from one side of a based member to the other.

FIG. 13 depicts device of FIG. 13 in perspective as used with a child.

FIG. 14 is a front five in elevation of an embodiment of invention wherein the barrier is made using a cellular structure.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the invention that uses a hook and loop fasteners to fasten a distal end of the barrier to a base member.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the invention that uses spring-biased clamp fasteners to fasten a distal end of a barrier to a base member.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the invention that uses a zipper fastener to fasten a distal end of the barrier to a base member.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the invention that uses an anchor weight to secure a distal end of the barrier to a base member.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the invention that uses snap fasteners to fasten a distal end of the barrier to a base member.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the invention that uses button and loop fasteners to fasten a distal end of the barrier to a base member.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the invention that uses a magnet fastener to fasten a distal end of the barrier to a base member.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the invention that uses snaps to fasten opposite ends of a barrier together.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the invention that uses button and loop fasteners to fasten opposite ends of a barrier together.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the invention that uses spring biased clamps to fasten opposite ends of a barrier together.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the invention that uses a hook and loop fastener to fasten opposite ends of the barrier together.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the invention that uses a zipper to fasten opposite ends of the barrier together.

FIG. 27 is a perspective end view of the embodiment of FIG. 27.

FIG. 28 is to view of the embodiment of FIG. 28.

FIG. 29 is a front view of an embodiment of the invention that is folded like an accordion.

FIG. 30 is a side fractional view of an embodiment of the invention that uses snaps to attach opposite sides of the barrier device.

FIG. 31 is a side fractional view of an embodiment of the invention that uses a hook and loop fastener to attach opposite sides of the barrier device

FIG. 32 is a side fractional view of an embodiment of the invention that uses a zipper to attach opposite sides of the barrier device

FIG. 33 is a side fractional view of an embodiment of the invention that uses spring biased claims to attach opposite sides of the barrier device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Now referring to FIG. 1, in a first embodiment device 101 is depicted in a folded position and which is defined by a plurality of segments 105, 106, 107 and 108 and which is shown folded in a fan style arrangement wherein a bottom first segment 105 is folded at the rear and attached to a second segment 106 that extends to the front which is in turn connected to a third segment that extended rearward, and so on. The folding technique is similar to that found on a conventional paper fan. As seen in FIG. 2, the barrier structure 101 can be compressed at a central location 185 and the end 120 drawn toward opposite end 129 and connect along a medial line 150. The surface is connected along medial line 150 until it separates to form a central passage 175. The structure 101 is designed to extend vertically from the surface on which it rests.

Now referring to FIG. 3, the barrier device 101 is depicted in engagement with a child wherein the head and arms are separated from the pelvic area by barrier 101. The barrier has dimension to prevent the child from reaching around the barrier thereby restricting the child's access to the diaper region. As best seen in FIG. 3 the child is positioned on the device such that his lower back or waist rests upon the medial position of the device 101. The excess material from the barrier device 101 on each side of the child is pulled up and over the child's stomach or waist and fastened together at a central location 305 with a fastening mechanism which may include hook and loop fastener, buttons, snaps, a clip. Accordingly, a fanlike body is positioned around the child's torso, reducing the child's ability to reach below the waist while the caregiver is tending to the child's diaper area.

Now referring to FIG. 4, the manner in which the barrier device 101 is folded is shown when the barrier is in a folded position. FIG. 5 depicts the device 101 partially unfolded wherein each segment is connected to one about by living hinges 505. FIG. 6 depicted the device when it is completely unfolded and flat position. FIG. 7 depicts the device wherein portion of the device at opposite are folded tighter and meet one another along line 705. The device can be made with a variable number of segment and folds.

Now referring to FIG. 8, the device 1 is depicted and includes an elastic loop 706 which can be used to retained the side 707 to the opposite side 702 of the barrier device by engagement of a bar 702. The loop can also be used to hold the barrier in a folded position.

FIG. 9 depicts an alternative embodiment that that uses a series of living hinges 2 between the segments. The device can also be folded in half along line 5.

FIG. 10 depicts a further embodiment that also includes a living hinge 1050 that runs in a direction perpendicular to the living hinges 1020 and 1021 that divide the device into segments such as 1010, 10111, and 1012.

FIG. 11 depicts a view in elevation of an embodiment of the device in a folded position.

FIG. 12 depicts a further embodiment of the invention in perspective that includes a barrier device 1301 that extends from one side of a based member 1360 to the other. The barrier member 1301 and the base member 1360 define a central passage 1320. As best seen in FIG. 13, a child 1309 is placed within the passage and his or her arms such arm 1315 is restricted from interfering with the diaper 1317 by the barrier 1301. The child's legs 1316 extend on the opposite side of the barrier as the upper torso and arms 1315.

FIG. 14 is a front five in elevation of a further embodiment of invention 1500 wherein the barrier 1502 is made using a cellular structure. The device has a series of cellular sections attached together. One section is defined by front panel section 1507 and rear panel section 1506 that define a central capacity 1505. Adjacent sections are attached along seams such as seam 1520 1525 and 1530.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the invention that uses a hook and loop fasteners 1625 to fasten a distal end 1620 of the barrier to a base member 1605 at location 1630.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the invention that uses spring-biased clamp fasteners 1725 to opposite tabs 1730 fasten a distal end 1720 of a barrier 1702 to a base member 1805 near the end of the member.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the invention that uses a zipper fastener with side 1830 on the folded barrier member 1802 and opposed side 1825 on the end of base member 1805 to fasten a distal end of the barrier 1802 to base member 1805.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the invention that uses an anchor weight 1925 to secure a distal end of the barrier 1902 to base member 1905 at location 1950.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the invention that uses snap fasteners 1925 and 1930 to fasten a distal end of the barrier 2002 to a base member 2005.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the invention that uses buttons 2125 and loop fasteners 2130 to fasten a distal end of the barrier to a base member 2105.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the invention that uses a magnet 2225 and steel part 2230 to fasten distal end 2207 of the barrier 2220 to a base member 2205.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the invention that uses snaps 2330 and 2331 to fasten opposite ends 2315 and 2316 of a barrier 2305 together.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment 2402 of the invention that uses a button and loop fasteners elements 2331 and 2430 and 2433 2432 to fasten opposite ends of a barrier 2402 together.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the invention that uses spring biased clamps 2530 to fasten opposite ends of barrier 2505 together.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment 2605 of the invention that uses a hook and loop fastener elements 2630 and 2631 to fasten opposite ends of the barrier 2660 together.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the invention that uses a zipper elements 2708 and 2709 to fasten opposite ends of the barrier 2705 together. FIG. 28 is a perspective top view of the embodiment of FIG. 27 including zipper elements 2709 2708.

FIG. 27 is perspective end view of the embodiment of FIG. 27 including zipper elements 2709 and 2708.

FIG. 29 is a front view of a barrier 5100 according to an embodiment of the invention that is folded like an accordion and can be folded at midpoint 5. In this embodiment, the segments that are folded defined by open cell tubular sections. The cellular sections such as section 5160 are attached to adjacent sections at the corners.

FIG. 30 is a side fractional view of an embodiment of the invention that uses snaps to attach opposite sides of the barrier device 3101.

FIG. 31 is a side fractional view of an embodiment of the invention that uses a hook and loop fastener elements 3110 to attach opposite sides of the barrier device 3102.

FIG. 32 is a side fractional view of an embodiment of the invention that uses a zipper 3108 to attach opposite sides of the barrier device 3103.

FIG. 33 is a side fractional view of an embodiment of the invention that uses spring biased clamps 3106 to attach opposite sides of the barrier device 3104.

One technique of folding the series of segments uses “mountain fold” followed by V folds or valley folds. Viewed from the side the peak of the mountain will be at the top, opposite to the downwards “V” or Valley fold. Other folding techniques may also be used such as accordion folding that create hollow cell structures.

It is to be understood, however, that even though numerous characteristics and advantages of the embodiment have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the structure and function of the embodiment, the disclosure is illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail, especially in the matters of shape, size, and arrangement of parts within the principles of the present disclosure to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed. 

I claim:
 1. A barrier device comprising, a barrier member comprised of a plurality of planar elements folded back upon each other a plurality of instances, said planar elements comprised of a flexible and foldable substrate, said planar elements further comprising a top section, a plurality of internal sections and a bottom section, said first top section having a first free lateral side and a second lateral side attached to an adjacent second internal section, said plurality of internal sections attached to one another along lateral sides, and wherein said first free side of said top section further comprises a region with releasable attachment elements to attach opposite ends of said free side and a central region, wherein when said element attachment elements are attached, a passage created that is defined by said central region and which is sized and shaped to receive the torso of a child at the waist region and thereby create a barrier between an upper section and lower section of the torso of a child.
 2. The barrier device of claim 1 further comprising a base member and said bottom end section is attached to said base member.
 3. The barrier device of claim 2 wherein said bottom end member comprises releasable attachment members that engaged said base member.
 4. The barrier device recited in claim 1 wherein said top section, said internal sections and said bottom section are attached to one another by living hinges.
 3. The barrier device as recited in claim 1 wherein said base member comprises a planar sheet.
 4. The barrier device recited in claim 3 wherein said base member comprises a baby changing pad.
 5. The barrier device recited in claim 1 wherein said attachment members comprise hook and loop fasteners.
 6. A barrier device comprising, a planar element folded back upon itself a plurality of instances to create a plurality of sections, said planer element comprised of a flexible and foldable substrate, said planar element further comprising a top section, a plurality of internal sections and a bottom section, said bottom section generally defining a rectangular plane, said top section attached to a first section, said internal sections and said bottom section attached to adjacent sections with a hinge, said top section having a first end surface with an attachment elements that can removably engage an opposite attachment element, and a base member, said base member attached to the bottom section, and said base section extending in a medial detection from an end of said section, wherein said base section further comprise attachment elements, said attachment element adapted to engage an said attachment element on said top surface, wherein when said attachment element on said top section is engaged to said attachment element on said bottom section, an arcuate passage is defined by said barrier planar element and said base section, and said passage is sized and shaped to receive the torso of a child.
 7. The barrier device recited in claim 6 wherein said top section, said internal sections and said bottom section are attached to one another by living hinges.
 8. The barrier device as recited in claim 6 wherein said base member is further comprises a diaper changing pad.
 9. The barrier device recited in claim 1 wherein said attachment members comprise hook and loop fasteners.
 10. A barrier device comprising a body, said body having a cellular construction and comprising a plurality of cellular elements defined by the body, said body element comprising a material that is foldable and flexible substrate, wherein said plurality cellular elements can expand and collapse, said body further comprising a top cellular section, a plurality of internal sections and a bottom cellular section, said top section having a first end surface area and a second surface are at an opposite end, said top section attached to an adjacent second internal cellular section, and a plurality of internal cellular sections attached to one another, and a said bottom cellular section comprising, said bottom section attached to one of said internal cellular sections, wherein said top section further comprises attachment elements, wherein said body is adapted to be folded to receive the torso of an infant and wherein said body is adaptable to form a barrier between the top torso and bottom torso portion of a child.
 11. The barrier device recited in claim 10 wherein each cellular section is defined by four sidewalls.
 12. The barrier device of claim 10 wherein the ends of said cellular sections are open.
 13. The barrier device of claim 10 wherein adjacent cellular sections share a lateral sidewall.
 14. The barrier device of claim 10 wherein adjacent cellular sections share are attached along corners of said cellular section.
 15. The barrier device recited in claim 10 wherein said bottom cellular section is attached to a base member.
 16. The barrier device of claim 10 further comprising a base member and said bottom cellular section is attached to said base member, and said base member comprises a body.
 17. The barrier device of claim 10 wherein the base member is large than the bottom section of said cellular section and comprises an attachment region, said attachment region comprising opposite attachment members for attachment to said top section.
 18. The barrier device recited in claim 10 wherein said attachment members comprise hook and loop fasteners. 